Camellia Sasanqua 'Setsugekka'

Setsugekka Camellia / Camellia Wavy White / Camellia Moon and Flowers

Botanical Name: Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka'
Family: Theaceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A beloved sasanqua with large, ruffled single white blooms and bright golden stamens that appear autumn to early winter. Flowers are lightly fragrant. Dense, glossy deep-green foliage and a naturally upright, elegant habit make it superb for hedges, screens, espaliers or specimen planting. Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with morning sun/afternoon shade in hot districts.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2-4 m H x 2-3 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Glossy deep green; new growth may flush bronze
• Flowers: Large single white, ruffled petals, lightly fragrant; autumn–early winter
• Seasonal Interest: Early-season flowering when few shrubs are in bloom; year-round evergreen structure
• Wildlife Value: Provides shelter for small birds; pollen for beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light–moderate frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Hedge/Privacy: ~1 plant per metre (0.7 m for a very tight hedge); Specimen/Screen: 1.2–1.5 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best with morning sun, afternoon shade in hot summers)
• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic loam/sandy loam
• Water Needs: Establishment—deep soak 2×/week for 8–12 weeks. Established—regular weekly deep watering in summer; minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Mulch annually, light prune after flowering to shape, and feed with acid-loving fertiliser in early spring and again after flowering
• Lifespan: 30-60+ years
• Climate Zones: Well suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA gardens; sheltered coastal sites
• Soil pH: Acid to neutral

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Privacy hedge/screen with refined finish
• Espalier against fences or walls in narrow beds
• Feature shrub near entries, patios and shaded courtyards

Why You Will Love It

Elegant snow-white blooms in the cooler months, a neat evergreen hedge the rest of the year, and low fuss once established—perfect for classic structure and seasonal impact